Infiniti G35 Sedan 2006 and earlier

muscarel

Someone mentioned that there was a slight difference in the 2003 model and the 2003.5. What exactly changed?

I thought I posted a message a few minutes ago, but I'm not sure it went through. Why is the 6MT sedan heavier than the automatic (according to the infiniti web site). Also, can anyone post their driving impressions of the 6MT Sedan?

Thanks

mjc440

The dealer in NE PA told me (last Saturday) that the AWD G35 (Sedan) will be available in November. I hope it comes sooner.

Any idea on how much more it'll cost?

mjc440

ihaberman - It will be interesting to see what Tire Rack has to say about traction in a RWD w/ all seasons vs. an AWD w/ summer tires. My gut feeling is that even though tires make a big difference, the AWD will still be significantly better in snow than the RWD. If the AWD comes with the rear traction control found on the RWD cars, then the AWD will be even better.

muscarel - I think the slight difference in 2003 vs 2003.5 you're thinking of is the trunk lid. The older ones had a handle carved out of the trunk with Infiniti spelled out in small letters on this handle. The newer version got rid of the carve out and has INFINITI spelled out across the entire trunk. I prefer the newer trunk. I'm not sure if there are other changes...

cjs2002

Greatings...
I'm recently in the market for a new car... I started out lookin for a sedan.. cause thats what I have now... yet I was thinkin that I'm gonna be 20 yrs old.. maybe I should try somethin in the style of sportish... I don't know.... I was thinkin originally of getting a 03 3.5SE Altima with leather... and sunroof... but I started thinkin that I really don'tnee the extra room.. and maybe I should try something different... I'm not that interested in things like 18" rims.. so much... the G35 on the lots look fine to me but I don't know what I should do... please assist
thanx

ryoken

There are actually several differences in the two, though they are all minor.

Changes:
* Trunk lid change (old one had the handle, new one has smooth lid w/o handle)
* Added interior trunk release button
* Cargo net now goes across the entire width of the trunk, instead of being half-sized
* Xenon headlights are now standard
* Dropped "Twilight Blue" color, added "Caribbean Blue"
* Infiniti logo in front seats is embroidered instead of pressed
* Bezels around some buttons on the center console are now chrome
* Added 3rd 12v power outlet on passenger side of center console

And of course the 2003.5's have been built with the various issues that have cropped up already addressed, so they should have fewer service issues (A/C noise and such).

scottc8

I believe you would be in technical violation of the rules if running in a Stock class, having disabled an original equipment safety device. Practically speaking, it would never be detected at Tech inspection. Another driver in your class crying "foul!" would be the only way you'd be "caught cheating".

The ethics are of course up to you. If you're just out there to have fun, there's probably no harm in it. If you're serious about competing and winning, that's another story.

mjc440

My advice is to test drive a few different cars. The 3.5 Altima and G35 are both great cars. The 3.5 engine is amazing. Certianly the G35 is a step up from the Altima but its price is in the low $30s vs the low/mid $20s of the Altima. As a 19 yr old, you're in a good position if can afford a $30K+ car.

Other good cars for low/mid 20s are the Mazda6 and 240HP V6 Accord. I prefer the 240HP V6 Accord coupe.

Good luck with your purchase...

muscarel

I like the front bumper of the aerodynamics package much better than the stock look. Unfortunately, it's about a $2000 option, probably because of all the added underbody stuff. Is there any way to get just the exterior cosmetic treatment without spending the full $$. Can you get the parts aftermarket?

ryoken

The underbody stuff comes with the $550 Aero Package (spoiler and underbody diffusers). The exterior cosmetic treatment is the expensive part. You can get the parts aftermarket, through Infiniti or elsewhere, and there are other designs starting to crop up. I think the front bumper by itself is somewhere in the $500-1000 range, if you don't want the side sills and rear bumper treatment. I like the stock look, so I haven't paid attention to aftermarket prices on body kits.

muscarel

To tell you the truth I only like the front, as it looks similar to the coupe. I could care less about the side and back parts. Unfortunately, the front is body colored and the sides would be black/dark grey.

Anybody have driving impressions of their 6MT Sedans?

corkfish

20 years old and buying a $30K car? Geez, I'm 43, single and make well over six figures and I'm having a very hard time rationalizing the thought of spending high 20's. At that age I was driving a 1968 Buick! Parents are VERY strange these days.

bigorange30

It is a sad but true commentary on today's society. However, I will tell you that I have made a deal with my daughter. If she works hard in high school and makes good grades, does well on the SAT and gets a scholarship to a college, I will give her half the value of it in cash up to a the value of an in-state school. I figure this could easily be $20K and enough to make a major down payment on this type of car. Maybe he has a similar deal.

cjs2002

when I first started looking I wasn't planning on getting a new car, yet as a graduation present, and for graduating 7th out of 164 in my class my parents gave me 7k to put towards a car of my choice... at that time I had about 2k in the bank... its been over a year now of looking and saving, waiting and deciding... so now I have about 23k sitting in the bank most of which I worked and saved for myself... yet my 92 Buick lesabre finally gave out with just over 200 thousand miles on it... so its time to choose... I don't need a car immediatly but its something that needs to start happening... I also scored a 27 on my ACTs and have a full scolarship to Notre Dame... so saving for college isn't tops on my list...thank you and I agree its cars are quite expensive... and I'm glad I was able to save for this one....

stickguy

I have a similar deal with my son. If he gets a scholorship, I get to buy myself a car with the money I'll save.

pat

bigorange30

I'll get to by myself a car also with the money I will save. If she gets no scholarship, I pay ~$40k, so that leaves me $20k to buy myself a car if she does get a full scholarship. The difference between me an stickguy is that I have given her an incentive to accomplish it.

cjs2002

you guys crack me up.... I'm glade my father doesn't read this message board... (he's computer illiterate) lol...

norcalmike2

Hi Folks,

I'm a do it yourself oil change kind of guy. I can't seem to locate a cap type oil filter wrench to fit my OEM 2003.5 sedan oil filter (Nissan part # 15208-65F00). Anybody have an idea where I could locate one? Thanks

stickguy

don't worry, I'll throw him a bone too. Besides, hes only in 6th grade, so a new game for straight As still gets him excited.

waterloog35

I just picked up my black on black g35 today. what's not so great is that its snowing and will carry on snowing till tomorrow. anyhow, after my first drive i just had a question. when i turn my steering wheel as far to the left or the right...it just doesn't seem that the wheels have turned enough. may its cuz i'm used to a smaller car that would turn on a smaller radius. just wanted to know if anyone has noticed this, or is it just me.

mjc440

Congrats on the scholaship to ND. ND is an outstanding school and has a great reputation.

Keep us posted on what you choose.

nicdmx

ND is okay....unfortunately they will be forevered shadowed by the true great midwestern univeristy....the University of Michigan.

envoydrives

corkfish: I am 21 and i own a g35, paid for by myself with absolutely no help from anyone, I also drove a 15 year-old car during school which I fully paid for. Please dont assume that every 20 year old must be in the same position and have the same mindset as you did when you were their age. Some of us work very hard, and while we may not yet be able to be as appreciative as older folks, were working on it . Some of us would like to be able to post a message or question, giving you a little insight as to our position in life (a youthful 20-something year old looking for a fun, capable car to drive) without a "19-20 something year-olds couldn't possibly afford this car and their parents paid for it" post waiting for us the next day. Some of us have respectfully decided to enjoy life at a little younger age, and presently work hard enough to do so. Not everyone lives off their parents at the young ripe age of 20, even if many our age do. Always assume the best.

corkfish

Oh. So you're paying your rent, food bills, utilities, insurance etc. etc all by yourself. And buying a $30,000 car? Wow. That's impressive. I have seen younger people with expensive cars who say they paid for it themselves, but they usually live at home and have all their expenses paid for. Then they have the nerve to say "oh I paid for my car all by myself". LOL. I guess there are exceptions though.

envoydrives

Very few exceptions, but some. Yes I do pay for my own living expenses and live on my own. I grasp what you're saying and appreciate your understanding. Good luck with your g35.

kdshapiro

I can relate, when I was younger I wouldn't buy a car unless I could pay cash for it. I never bought used cars. However, if I had been smarter....

nicdmx

Its all about priorities....I'm 23 and have been considering a G35 as one of my top options after I finish my Master's degree and go back to work with the same company i've been interning with the past 2 summers. I will be able to afford a G35.....but the question is do I want to commit that much money to a car when I could commit less money and have a car that is still fun to drive. I currently drive a '98 Nissan Sentra.....an economy minded small car....so the way i see it, I can buy something that costs quite a bit less than a G and still have a car that seems like a huge step up from a Sentra.

After some budgeting I decided that the money saved from buying a car in the 25K range was significant and would help contribute to maxing out a 401K and a Roth IRA and having more money to stick away long term towards a down payment on a house someday. This decision was also helped along by the fact that gas prices are sky high and only appear to be heading up and the cost of routine maintenance on a car like the G are significantly more expensive.

They way i see at, at 23 years old and just getting out of college, it will be better for me financially in the long term to have a less expensive car....and there are many cars like that out there that are going to seem like a huge step up from a little Sentra....even though it was a tough decision seeing as how i absolutely love the G35 sedan.

The point is, that its not out of the question for self sufficient young people to be able to afford such a car....its just a matter of priorities....and for me it just worked out that it would make financially better sense to sock more money away and keep a car like the G in mind for a later date.

robmarch

check out the current deals on WRXs if you like them. some people have been getting better than $1k below invoice, putting it below 22k. Or, if you don't mind FWD, the acura TSX looks pretty nice, for $25ish, if you're looking for a more luxury interior instead of sport. or a specV if you really want to save some $$$.

tough to find nice RWD sedans below the $25k price point, actually the G35 is a RWD sporty sedan bargin play.

good luck!

nicdmx

Yeah, I've been checking out the Acura TSX and also the soon to be released Turbo Forester, since i'd like something a little bigger/nicer interior than a WRX. I guess i'll have to wait to test drive though!

thanks!

bigorange30

and I applaud you for being so responsible. I think the point was that there are many who act alot less responsible than you are acting and there are others (like my wife's cousin) let mom and dad buy it for them. This guys drives a porsche that his mom and dad bought, lives with mom and dad, and hasn't worked at one job for more than about 1 month. He told my father-in-law one time after he got him a job in his plant "I can't believe you do this every day."

There are many out there like that.

nicdmx

I totally agree with you bigorange. As a student at U. of Michigan I see more than my fair share of people driving around in Audi's, BMW's, etc....all from their parents $$....the same money that I'm sure is also footing the bill for their tuition, etc. Unfortunately for them I don't think they ever learn to be financially responsible.

cjs2002

Even though I still live at home with my parents,(for the short term till the semester starts up) I'm paying for my own car... it really disterbs me to see people, even my own best friends tell me I'm lucky that my parents will buy me a car... when in reallity I'm the one paying for mait. gas. payments. ins. ect. the only thing I don't pay is rent... which I'm thankful for... in my graduating class I know many of the "popular" kids got new cars from there parents.. hell one even wrecked his three days after he got it.. and the same week he was driving a new JAG.... its sickning to see sometimes... yet now that I'm in college I see them and smile cause many of them are now droping out of college cause they can't handle the work load... out of 164 that graduated with me... only 51 are left in school... and its only the 2nd semester... very sad I think... but I'll keep ya'll posted as to what I do... and thanx for your thoughts...

envoydrives

I also attended U of M for a semester after high school before realizing that for me, it wasnt the best use of my time. In that semester, I saw more luxury cars than i do at some of the executive offices in which I now meet business clients. Unfortunately, many of the students driving these pricey cars had obtained them through their parents at no cost to them. While not impossible, I would think it would be difficult to pay for living expenses, college, and a $35k car all the while working only when a busy college schedule permits. My situation is a bit different as i work full time building my company, I am not burdened with attending classes and I make considerably more money than i would if i were working part time while earning a degree. It makes good sense if you are my age and do not yet own a house or other valuable and necessary assets to purchase a vehicle with a smaller price tag than that of the G35. I looked hard before purchasing my G35 and nearly purchased a new Accord instead. It provided quick takeoffs (V-6), a decent interior, and good handing. I think there are many excellent choices for someone my age (21) looking to get a nice, agile new vehicle (Accord, Mazda 6, Jetta) all the while saving for a home and for their future. My unique situation allowed me purchase a house early, and i have very few other indulgences. I figured I'd splurge and enjoy myself.

nicdmx

...I agree totally. What type of company are you building if you don't mind me asking?

envoydrives

After high school, I began a small marketing company. Mostly helping medium-sized businesses (10-100 employees) get their message and name out so that they can grow. My company has grown steadily since I began three years ago and I must have found a niche in the market becuase even now, with a tight economy, business is "bussier" than every. now about cars: You might find that the TSX is a good choice, I sat in one at the auto show and I thought the interior was very tastefully done. The exterior is traditional Acura, and dosent stand out as much as the G, but the front end seems to look sportier than the previous Acura's. Nevertheless, it's a handsome car, is sufficently quick, has nearly as many safety features as the G, and comes with Acura's customer service. Good luck in finding one that suits you and the price range you've set, It should be easy given all the great choices out there.

clpurnell

lol this whole age thing is funny. Age and financial independence have nothing to do with each other. I was supporting a family of 3 by 21. And at 27 I have a 2003 vehicle a 2001 vehicle and a home that I have paid for myself. Age has nothing to do with it. Look at Brentwoodvolvo he is a year older than me and owns his own dealership. It's not about how much time you've been around but it's about what you've done with the time you've had.

clp

-PS I love the G35 but will probably wind up with an FX35 (just to stay on topic)

bigorange30

We're not talking about those people who have made their own money and support their family and then go out and buy themselves a high priced car because they have made a fortune at a young age. I applaud those that succeed so quickly.

What we are talking about are those teenagers or college students who drive around in high priced luxury or sportscars that their parents paid for or those that spend all their money on a car while their family lives in a very small house or their kids wear worn out clothes and shoes with holes in them. Do you think that is ok?

clpurnell

syracuse man? Anyway I agree whole heartedly that it sometimes disgusts me when I see kids driving bmws to high school even. However, different strokes for different folks. It is not what "I" would do for my kids because I think you only truly learn responsibility by doing things for yourself. but I wouldn't flame a 17 yr old for looking for info on a G35 or Q45. If his parents choose to do that that is their choice. I wouldn't fault the kid because, hey if some one said "here are the keys to the car of your dreams" when you were young would you say no?

bigorange30

If you look back at the original post on this #7294, corkfish was lamenting over what the parents were doing, not the boy.

birdman579

I'm in a similar position as nicdmx... I can certainly afford the G35, but other things would have to be sacrificed. The Edmunds review of the TSX is very encouraging. The interior looks very luxurious, more so than the G. The one thing I keep coming back to is the big V6 in the G. Its one of only a handful of cars to combine a powerful engine, great handling, and awesome looks at a reasonable price. The TSX would have to be several thousand less than the G to make it appealing. I can't see spending more than $26-27K for a 4-cyclinder car.

pat

um, folks? There have been (and probably still are) tons of discussions all over the Town Hall about best car for a teenager and other related themes, most assuredly including parental roles, actions chosen, etc.

But this discussion happens to be about a particular vehicle, not about the moral and ethical concepts of supporting one's self vs. relying on any sort of family assistance to achieve one's vehicular goals.

So let's wrap this up and get back to focusing on the vehicle itself, okay?

Feel free to use any of the various search features on the left side of the page to find and join any discussion where the conversation is about how old is too young and what parental decisions and actions are helpful or harmful when an offspring acquires a vehicle.

Thanks.

budfox1

has anyone noticed their paint chipping on the G35? I've had mine for 6 months and just noticed 3-4 small chips on the right front fender where it meets the hood. Since it's on the top of the fender, I don't think it's from road debris.

uecker1

Just wanted to express my thanks to Edmunds and to this thread for helping me decide on my next vehicle.

After checking out cars ranging from the Mercury Marauder to the M45 and the Nissan Murano, I ordered a Desert Platinum G35 Premium, Winter and Wood Packages at a price that I believe is more than fair.

Keep up the good work.

maxima4

Today of ALL days I had to travel to NJ to visit a client. Snowed like nobody's business. I programed my NAV and off I went. The NAV system was dead on accurate!!

Now to the VDC. As I approached my exit off the NJ Turnpike, the ramp split off in two different directions. I was suppose to go right but was forced to go left because an 18 wheeler was fast approaching and didn't allow me enough room to exit. My speed was about 35MPH normal speed on dry pavement, but when to have to take a hard left on snow packed pavement that spells near disaster!!

The operative word being "near". The car started to slide to the right, I hit the brakes, anti-locks kicked in. I said "OH crap" I'm going to hit the wall and wreck my brand new G! Well at that point the VDC kicked in, the car fish tailed a little and with a couple of corrective steers of the wheel and the VDC doing it's thing... within seconds the car was going straight.

It saved me and the car from hitting the wall. The car felt like it was on rails. I was shaken up pretty bad, but the alternative could have been way worse!! I'll never buy another car without VDC!

Kudos to Infiniti!!! All car should have it!!!

I absolutely love my car. I have a 700 miles on it so far and not one problem.

stanny1

Here in San Diego, we need VDC like a fish needs a bicycle.
What we do need is a total VDC off-switch and a LSD differential.
You can easily install an LSD diff from a 350Z.
But the VDC shut-off problem is a big one when it comes to those of us who like to Solo2 or just slide around corners.
We could handle a switch that resets to "on" each time you start the car.
I am one of many trying to reach Nissan on this issue. If you know the E-mail of some top Nissan execs we could lobby, please post it on this board.
The whole subject of total VDC turnoff was covered in a rare, large article in the SCCA house organ "SportsCar" entitled "High Tech Challenges".
In the article, racers are saying they are frustrated by the VDC system, which makes the G35 fall "flat on it's face".
As a result, the G can't be near competitive.
And Nissan is turning a deaf ear.
I was considering the G35 sedan MTX but until the VDC issue is resolved, Honda Civics would eat my lunch on an on-ramp.
Adding the Z LSD unit might reduce any wheelspin and thus minimize the initiation of VDC, but VDC intervention can actually be dangerous if you have to manually counteract it's effects in performance driving.
Imagine fighting your car. Your brain against the car's. A high speed chess game in which you might kill yourself or others trying to outfox the VDC.
Almost every other car has an "off" switch. Corvette, Lincoln LS, and more.
The G35 has such potential. But it's minimized by VDC.

rayainsw

FWIW:
John Schilling, +1-310-771-6057, or Eric Booth, +1-310-771-3014, both of Infiniti Public Relations
Good luck!
- Ray
Who may have more - somewhere . . .

stanny1

Another LS defector in the works!
I'll be contacting these gents on Monday.

ryoken

VDC's been quite helpful in San Diego these last two wet weeks. It's very useful on the streets, not so much on the track. It would be nice to be able to turn it totally off.

Let us know how your phone calls go. I also understand that the new FX45 has an upgraded auto trans, and the shifts in manual mode are quicker. An updated shift program would help the auto G35's in SOLO2, instead of having to pre-shift by about a second. I'd even be happy if they offered such changes as NISMO performance upgrades.

Are you planning to make the March 29 SOLO2 meet?

jwilson1

I'll be in touch with them, too. Hopefully, we can get this to be an "option" rather than a requiement imposed on the driver by technology in situations where VDC is not desirable. Cars with a true sporting intent allow the driver the option!

There was a general notion that the VDC-disable was impossible only on the Auto and that with the 6MT all was well. But that has been disproved, even in C&Ds comparo between the RX-8 and the coupe this month. The presence of the VDC along with the perceived notchiness of the Nissan transmission combined to cost the G35 its first place, even with a >$7000 price disadvantage.

And the suggestions we have available -- disable the control fuse or import the Z's LSD -- only help with (probably) illegal street driving. They're no help in competition as they move the car out of the stock classes.

JW

maxima4

Hi Stanny... I can see both sides of the story, but for me since I do not race (I am a fan of racing though)..the VDC, you have to understand saved me from plowing my car into a cement wall on a snowed packed ramp. The VDC corrected something I had no chance to. If the VDC was not an option the car it I would have kissed that wall for sure.

Too bad there wasn't a way you can totally disconnect it for your applications. For those of us in snowy climates it's essential.